What are local anesthetics?

Block nerve conduction from periphery to CNS, abolish sensation. At high concentrations, block motor activity, most sensitive nerves are small unmyelinated Admin (topical, infiltration, peripheral nerve blocks, neuroaxial) Include (lidocaine [most used], bupivacaine, Ropivicaine, Mepivacaine, Procaine [ester]) Add vasoconstrictor EPI to local anesthetic, decrease rate of absorption and thus prolong effect